'I'm Still Here' actress Fernanda Torres, who recently earned her first-ever Oscar nomination, has released a statement addressing a decades-old sketch in which she appeared in blackface.
- January 28, 2025
AceShowbiz - First-time Oscar nominee Fernanda Torres, 59, has issued an apology for wearing blackface in a sketch on Brazilian television 17 years ago. The actress, who made history as the first Brazilian to win a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama for her role "I'm Still Here", expressed regret for her actions in a statement to Deadline.
"Almost twenty years ago, I appeared in blackface in a comedy sketch from a Brazilian TV show," Torres said. "I am very sorry for this. I'm making this statement as it is important for me to address this swiftly to avoid further pain and confusion."
Torres' apology came after a resurfaced clip from the sketch, originally aired on the Brazilian TV show "Fantástico", sparked outrage on social media. In the sketch, Torres played multiple characters, including a housekeeper portrayed in blackface.
"At that time, despite the efforts of Black movements and organizations, the awareness of the racist history and symbolism of blackface hadn't yet entered the mainstream public consciousness in Brazil," Torres explained.
"Thanks to better cultural understanding and important but incomplete achievements in this century, it's very clear now in our country and everywhere that blackface is never acceptable."
Torres emphasized the need for continued dialogue and education to combat racism and inequality, "This is an important conversation we must continue to have with one another in order to prevent the normalization of racist practices then and now."
"As an artist and global citizen, and from my open heart, I remain attentive and committed to the pursuit of vital changes needed to live in a world free from inequality and racism."
